Heavy Tool Tether

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses and methods for tethering devices capable of securing heavy articles are disclosed. In one possible embodiment, a tethering device comprises: an extension and retraction mechanism with a non-tangling coil system portion; a first attachment mechanism coupled to a first end portion of the extension and retraction mechanism; and, a second attachment mechanism coupled to a second end portion of the extension and retraction mechanism. The tethering device is capable of bearing a substantially heavy load. The first attachment mechanism may comprise a carabiner, and the second attachment mechanism may comprise a carabiner or a clip mechanism with male and female portions. A tertiary attachment mechanism may also be provided, which provides an internal attachment in the device to prevent it from extending. In one possible method for tethering a heavy article, a first attachment mechanism is attached to a user&#39;s person is provided, with the first attachment mechanism coupled to a first end of an extension/retraction mechanism. A second attachment mechanism is attached to a heavy article, with the second attachment mechanism coupled to a second end of the extension/retraction mechanism. The extension of the extension/retraction mechanism is caused by applying a force against a coil system of the extension/retraction mechanism, and the retraction of the extension/retraction mechanism is caused by removing the force.

This application claims the benefit of provisional application No.61/201,592 to Salentine, which was filed on 12 Dec. 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to securing articles, and moreparticularly to tethering devices and methods for securing heavyarticles, with one end of such a device mounted to a structure, a user'sperson, or the like, and another end mounted to a heavy article.

2. Description of the Related Art

Tethering devices are well known in the art. Various tethering deviceshave been developed for use with tools, hardware, and other helpfuldevices. However, tethering devices may be used for holding heaviertools and the like, and many tethering devices known in the art are notstrong enough for heavier applications and may become dangerous shouldbreakage occur. A tethering device that can withstand heavierapplications is beneficial so safety can be maximized and tool damageand/or personal injury can be minimized. For example, in U.S. PatentPub. No. 2003/0102342 to Fogg, a tool or set of tools is provided with aheavy-duty tether permanently secured thereto. The tether is load-ratedfor heavier applications.

Moreover, retractable tethering devices have been developed that can beattached to a person through use of common attachment mechanisms such assnaps, clips, Velcro straps, pin mounting systems, bracket mountingdevices and belt clipping devices. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,158 toHuang, U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,137 to Poulson, U.S. Pat. No. 6,966,519 toSalentine, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 7,478,776 to Salentine, et al.Conventional belt clipping and bracketing systems are desirable for someapplications in that they are easy to mount to an article of clothingthat does not have means for attaching a snap, Velcro or pinningattachment. A belt clipping system also provides an attachment meansthat reduces the overall hanging length of the device and minimizes itsmovement during activities. However, many known tethering devices areprone to entanglement. This can be particularly problematic whentethering devices are coupled with retraction/extension capabilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide tethering devices/tethers fortools and the like with an improved mechanism to minimize entanglement,with the tethering devices being durable, inexpensive, easy to operateand adjust, capable of withstanding heavy applications, and capable ofextension and retraction. In one embodiment according to the presentinvention, a tethering device is provided comprising an extension andretraction mechanism with a non-tangling coil system portion, a firstattachment mechanism coupled to a first end portion of the extension andretraction mechanism, and a second attachment mechanism coupled to asecond end portion of the extension and retraction mechanism. Thetethering device is capable of bearing a substantially heavy load.

In another embodiment according to the present invention, a tetheringsystem is provided comprising a non-tangling extension/retractionmechanism, a first attachment mechanism coupled to a first end portionof the extension/retraction mechanism, and a second attachment mechanismcoupled to a second end portion of the extension/retraction mechanism.The first attachment mechanism is capable of bearing a substantiallyheavy load. The second attachment mechanism comprises a clip mechanismwith a male clip portion and a female clip portion.

In still another embodiment according to the present invention, a methodfor tethering heavy articles is provided, with the method comprisingattaching a first attachment mechanism to a user's person, with thefirst attachment mechanism coupled to a first end of anextension/retraction mechanism. The method further comprises attaching asecond attachment mechanism to a heavy article, with the secondattachment mechanism coupled to a second end of the extension/retractionmechanism. Furthermore, the method comprises causing the extension ofthe extension/retraction mechanism by applying a force against a coilsystem of the extension/retraction mechanism, and causing the retractionof the extension/retraction mechanism by removing the force.

These and other further features and advantages of the invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tethering deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tethering device as shown in FIG. 1,with a portion of the tether disengaged to demonstrate functionality;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tethering deviceaccording to the present invention, with a portion of the tetheringdevice disengaged to demonstrate functionality;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a user using the tethering device asshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tethering device in use as shown inFIG. 4, with a portion of the tethering device disengaged to demonstratefunctionality; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tethering deviceaccording to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description presents several possible embodiments. Thisdescription is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merelyfor the purpose of describing the general principles of the invention,the scope of which is further understood by the appended claims.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference toillustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodimentsof the invention. As such, variations from the shapes and configurationof the illustrations are expected. Embodiments of the invention shouldnot be construed as limited to the particular shapes illustrated hereinbut are to include deviations in shapes and combinations of shapes thatresult, for example, from different desired designs. A featureillustrated or described as square or rectangular can have rounded orcurved features in various embodiments. Thus, the features illustratedin the figures are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of afeature or configuration of various shapes and are not intended to limitthe scope of the invention.

The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for tetheringarticles such as tools, keys, phones, and the like, with the tetheringapparatuses and methods being particularly adaptable for securing heavyarticles. Furthermore, the apparatuses and methods according to thepresent invention are capable of extension and retraction, withmechanisms included for minimizing the possible entanglement of tethercomponents. Embodiments of the present invention may compriseinterchangeable components such that one tethered article may be easilychanged out for another article to be tethered. Additionally,embodiments of the present invention may comprise an adjustable securingportion for connection to an article. Further possible embodiments ofthe present invention are discussed below and/or are contemplated by thepresent invention.

At least one advantage of the present invention is the ability for atethering device user to secure a heavy article, such as a power tool,to his/her own person, a building, or other structure. This allows for aheavy article to be securely attached to a person or structure bothwhile in use and not in use, which can prevent such articles from beingaccidentally dropped. This can decrease accidental breakage of sucharticles while increasing the safety of using such articles,particularly when dropping them could result in the injury of anotherindividual.

The apparatuses and methods of the present invention also offerextension and retraction capabilities, which increase the range of thetool while it is secured to a person or structure. Moreover, theextension and retraction capabilities are related to a mechanism whichprevents or substantially minimizes the chance of the tethering devicetangling. As such, the tethering device does not tangle on itself whenit returns from an extended position to a retracted position.

FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5 show one embodiment of a tethering device 10constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the tetheringdevice preferably designed for personal attachment applications orattachment to a lift bucket or the like. FIGS. 4 and 5 more specificallyshow the device 10 in use. Tethering device 10 generally comprises anextension/retraction portion 12, an attachment mechanism 14, a secondaryattachment mechanism 16, and a tertiary internal attachment mechanism18. The extension/retraction portion 12 is preferably comprised of asupple, low-profile coil system allowing for full-arms reach and tooluse without any adverse retraction force. To allow portion 12 to extend,the user applies a force against the coil system force via either theweight of an attached tool or like device or through the force of armextension. To allow portion 12 to retract back to its original position,the force used to allow the portion 12 to extend must be released andthe force of the coil system returns to the original coil position. Thecoil system is preferably enclosed in a resilient nylon webbing toprovide strength and added safety, but it is understood that othersuitable materials may also be used. The coiling attributes of the coilsystem prevent the portion 12 from entangling when the mechanism isretracted.

Attachment mechanism 14 is preferably comprised of a carabiner 20 as iswell known in the art, with the carabiner attached to an end portion 22of extension/retraction portion 12. The carabiner 20 can attach to theuser's belt, pants, pocket, strap, purse, or to a lift bucket or thelike, with the mechanism shown attached to the user's belt asdemonstrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The carabiner 20 is preferably comprisedof aluminum, although other suitable materials may also be used. Thecarabiner 20 may also bear up to a 500 kg load as depicted in FIGS. 1-6,although carabiners able to bear greater or lesser loads may also beused. While a carabiner is depicted in the preferred embodiment asshown, it is understood that many other suitable attachment mechanismsmay also be used within the scope of the present invention. End portion22 is preferably comprised of a tough material such as nylon, but it isunderstood that any suitable resilient material may also be used.

Secondary attachment mechanism 16 is preferably comprised of a clipmechanism well-known in the art, comprising a female clip end 24 and amale clip end 26. The male clip end 26 fits into the female end 24 whentwo side tabs are squeezed toward one another. The clip mechanism ispreferably formed from a durable, flexible plastic, although othersuitable materials may also be used. The clip mechanism is attached tothe tethering device via end portion 28, with end portion 28 preferablycomprised of a tough material such as nylon. At the male end 26 of theclip mechanism, a lanyard 30 is attached to the clip mechanism viaattachment portion 32. Like end portions 22 and 28, attachment portion32 is preferably formed from a resilient material such as nylon.

Lanyard 30 comprises a loop 34, with a sliding mechanism 36 fitted onthe loop 34. The sliding mechanism 36 comprises a hole 38 through whichthe loop 34 passes. A button 40 on the sliding mechanism 36 may bepressed inward against a spring mechanism (not shown) internal tomechanism 36. The button 40 comprises a portion inside the mechanism 36,with a hole (not shown) that may be aligned with hole 38 when a force isapplied to the button 40. When the inner hole and hole 38 openings arealigned, the mechanism 36 may be slid up and down the loop 34 to tightenthe loop as desired when it is connected to a deserved device such as atool. When the force is removed from button 40, the spring mechanismcauses the button to extend outward such that the inner hole and hole 38openings become misaligned, thus essentially locking the mechanism 36 inplace in a desired position along loop 34. While mechanism 36 ispreferably used as part of a lanyard according to the present invention,it is understood that other suitable mechanisms may also be used.

Loop 34 is preferably formed from a durable material such as nylon,though other suitable materials may also be used. Loop 34 may alsocomprise a flexible rubber or similar elastic substance internal to thenylon or other durable material so the loop has elastic characteristicsmuch like a rubber band. The mechanism 36 is preferably formed from adurable plastic or metal.

Lanyard 30 may be attached to a variety of different devices, such asheavy tools, lighter tools, keys, cell phones, flashlights, and thelike. For example and as shown in FIG. 4, a drill may be attached tolanyard 30. The lanyard provides a protective system preferable to toolsand the like weighing up to ten pounds, although it is understood thatthe lanyard system is applicable to a number of different weightapplications. The clip mechanism of secondary attachment mechanism 16provides a means for easily exchanging a variety of lanyards, each ofwhich may be attached to a different desired tool, keys, or the like.

Tertiary internal attachment mechanism 18 is preferably comprised of acarabiner 42 as is well known in the art, with the carabiner attachedthrough end portion 28. The carabiner 42 can additionally attach tocarabiner 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 or to the user's belt, pants,pocket, strap or purse when the tethering device 10 is not in use and/orwhen no extension is desired due to the weight of the object attached tolanyard 30. Alternatively, carabiner 42 can be unattached to carabiner20 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 when the user is using device 10 andextension of the device is desired. Like carabiner 20, carabiner 42 ispreferably comprised of aluminum, although other suitable materials mayalso be used. The carabiner 42 may also bear up to a 500 kg load asdepicted in FIGS. 1-6, although carabiners capable of bearing greater orlesser loads may also be used. While a carabiner is depicted in thepreferred embodiment as shown, it is understood that many other suitableattachment mechanisms may also be used within the scope of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a tethering device 50 similar to thetethering device 10 depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, havingextension/retraction portion 12, attachment portion 14, secondaryattachment portion 16, carabiner 20, end portion 22, female clip portion24, male clip portion 26, end portion 28, lanyard 30, attachment portion32, loop 34, mechanism 36, hole 38, and button 40. However, FIG. 3 doesnot depict a tertiary internal attachment mechanism using a carabiner asin FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5. Therefore, there is no additional internalattachment mechanism to attach one end of the tethering device to theother end of the tethering device such that extension of the coil systemcan be prevented when an extension force (such as the weight of anattached tool or the like) is applied. However, the loop 34 of lanyard30 may still be secured to carabiner 20 to prevent unwanted extension ofthe tethering device 50.

Tethering device 50 also shows the functionality of the clip device ofsecondary attachment mechanism 16, showing the male end 26 detached fromthe female end 24. From this illustration of mechanism 16, it becomesclearer how a lanyard with a male clip end may be easily exchanged withanother lanyard or like device with an appropriately sized male clip endas shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a tethering device 60 similar to thetethering device 10 depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, havingextension/retraction portion 12, attachment portion 14, carabiner 20,end portion 22, and end portion 28. However, the tethering device 60embodied in FIG. 6 does not depict a secondary attachment mechanism witha clip device or a tertiary internal attachment mechanism using acarabiner as in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5. Instead, tethering device 60comprises a secondary attachment mechanism 62 comprising a carabiner 64attached to end portion 28. Like carabiner 20, carabiner 64 ispreferably comprised of aluminum, although other suitable materials mayalso be used. The carabiner 64 may also bear up to a 500 kg load,although carabiners capable of bearing greater or lesser loads may alsobe used.

The carabiner 64 can attach to carabiner 20 or to the user's belt,pants, pocket, strap or purse when the tethering device 60 is not in useand/or when no extension is desired. Alternatively or additionally,carabiner 64 can be unattached to carabiner 20 when the user is usingdevice 60 and extension of the device is desired. Carabiner 64 may alsobe attached to a tool, keys, phone or the like. Since device 60comprises similar attachment devices at both ends, it is understood thatthe described uses for carabiners 20 and 64 are interchangeable.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred configurations, other versions arepossible. The tethering device can be used in many different types ofapplications. Different extension/retraction means, attachment means,lanyards, clips, and materials can be used in conjunction with the newtethering device. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the abovedescription should not be limited to the versions described above.

1. A tethering device, comprising: an extension and retraction mechanismwith a non-tangling coil system portion; a first attachment mechanismcoupled to a first end portion of said extension and retractionmechanism; and a second attachment mechanism coupled to a second endportion of said extension and retraction mechanism; wherein saidtethering device is capable of bearing a substantially heavy load. 2.The tethering device of claim 1, wherein said first attachment mechanismis attached to a user's person, a structure, or a lift bucket.
 3. Thetethering device of claim 1, wherein said second attachment mechanism isattached to a tool.
 4. The tethering device of claim 1, furthercomprising a tertiary attachment mechanism coupled to said second endportion of said extension and retraction mechanism.
 5. The tetheringdevice of claim 4, wherein said tertiary attachment mechanism may beattached to said first attachment mechanism to prevent the extension ofsaid extension and retraction mechanism.
 6. The tethering device ofclaim 4, wherein said tertiary attachment mechanism is comprised of acarabiner.
 7. The tethering device of claim 1, wherein said extensionand retraction mechanism is comprised of an elastic, low-profile coilallowing for full arm's length extension without any adverse retractionforce.
 8. The tethering device of claim 1, wherein a force is appliedagainst said coil system force to enable said device to extend.
 9. Thetethering device of claim 8, wherein the release of said force coupledwith the coil system force enables said device to retract and return toits original coil position.
 10. The tethering device of claim 1, whereinsaid first attachment mechanism is comprised of a carabiner.
 11. Thetethering device of claim 10, wherein said carabiner is comprised ofaluminum and is capable of bearing a load weighing up to 500 kg.
 12. Thetethering device of claim 1, wherein said first and second end portionsof said extension and retraction mechanism are comprised of nylon. 13.The tethering device of claim 1, wherein said second attachmentmechanism is comprised of a clip mechanism comprising a male clipportion and a female clip portion.
 14. The tethering device of claim 13,wherein said male clip portion fits into said female clip portion bysqueezing two side tabs on said male clip portion toward one another.15. The tethering device of claim 13, wherein said clip mechanism iscomprised of a durable, flexible plastic.
 16. The tethering device ofclaim 13, wherein a first lanyard is attached to said male clip portionvia a durable attachment portion, said first lanyard attached to a tool,wherein said male clip portion and said attached first lanyard areremovable from said female clip portion to enable the easy exchange of aplurality of other lanyard/male clip portion combinations.
 17. Thetethering device of claim 16, wherein said lanyard further comprises aloop with a sliding mechanism, said sliding mechanism movable up anddown said loop to tighten or loosen said loop as desired.
 18. Atethering system, comprising: a non-tangling extension/retractionmechanism; a first attachment mechanism coupled to a first end portionof said extension/retraction mechanism, said first attachment mechanismcapable of bearing a substantially heavy load; and a second attachmentmechanism coupled to a second end portion of said extension/retractionmechanism, said second attachment mechanism comprising a clip mechanismcomprising a male clip portion and a female clip portion.
 19. Thetethering system of claim 18, wherein said first attachment mechanismcomprises a carabiner attached to a user's person, a structure, or alift bucket, said carabiner capable of bearing a load up to 500 kg. 20.The tethering system of claim 18, further comprising a tertiaryattachment mechanism coupled to said second end portion of saidextension/retraction mechanism, said tertiary attachment mechanismattachable to said first attachment mechanism to prevent the extensionof said extension/retraction mechanism.
 21. The tethering system ofclaim 18, wherein the extension/retraction mechanism comprises a coilsystem portion, with the coiling attributes of said coil system portionpreventing the extension/retraction mechanism from entangling when saidmechanism is retracted.
 22. The tethering system of claim 21, wherein aforce is applied against the coil system portion to enable extension ofsaid extension/retraction mechanism, with the release of said forceenabling said mechanism to retract and return to its original coilposition.
 23. The tethering system of claim 18, wherein an adjustablefirst lanyard is attached to said male clip portion, said first lanyardfurther attached to a tool.
 24. The tethering system of claim 23,wherein said first lanyard is easily removable from said female clipportion to enable the exchange for a different lanyard attached to adifferent tool.
 25. A tethering method, comprising: attaching a firstattachment mechanism to a user's person, said first attachment mechanismcoupled to a first end of an extension/retraction mechanism; attaching asecond attachment mechanism to a heavy article, said second attachmentmechanism coupled to a second end of said extension/retractionmechanism; causing the extension of said extension/retraction mechanismby applying a force against a coil system of said extension/retractionmechanism; and causing the retraction of said extension/retractionmechanism by removing said force.
 26. The tethering method of claim 25,further comprising attaching a tertiary attachment mechanism to saidfirst attachment mechanism to prevent the extension of saidextension/retraction mechanism, and releasing said tertiary attachmentmechanism to enable the extension of said extension/retractionmechanism, said tertiary attachment mechanism attached to said secondend of said extension/retraction mechanism.